2014 Election Archive

Susan and her husband Doug are longtime residents of Horton Township and the Town of Renfrew. Susan worked for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for over 35 years. Some of her …roles included: working with local, regional and provincial 4-H volunteers, members and parents; leadership training and organizational development with various rural groups; managing budgets, staff and offices across the eastern and southwest regions; leading large teams working on complex projects such as reorganization and website restructuring. Following retirement in 2007, Susan has become a trustee with the Ontario 4-H Foundation, sits as a public member on the Horton Township human resources committee and has taught courses on communications and creativity for Algonquin College in Pembroke. Her hobbies include being an active member of a church choir, golfing, reading and enjoying her grandchildren. More

John and his wife Bronwyn have lived in Renfrew for 36 years. During his 35 year career in education John was a teacher, counsellor, vice-principal and principal. John has extensive knowledge of board …and school budgets, curriculum, special education, student success, staffing, school technology, managing personnel and board policy. He worked in three families of schools, Opeongo, Madawaska Valley and Renfrew as a result John is aware of the student demographics of a large part of the Renfrew County. As a trustee John is ready to accept the challenges presented by declining enrolment and funding. John would work to maintain Renfrew County’s strong Special Education services so that all students have equal opportunity to succeed. Throughout his career John was very active in extra-curricular activities with students and would work to preserve them as an essential part of school life and student development. More

Elwyn Behnke is seeking to be elected to the Renfrew County School Board. Born and raised in Petawawa. Education part of Family ¬ Great Grandfather donated the land for now Pineview School, formerly SS#4 …Petawawa. Graduated from Pembroke Collegiate Institute in 1965. Worked with my father Wallace Behnke in Forestry for 60 years. Member of Council for Township of Petawawa for 6 years, then Reeve (Mayor) for 6 years. Member of Petawawa Fund Raising Committee since 1972. Received numerous volunteer awards. Donated Park Benches for Millenium Trail and provided fruit trees along the Trail. Lifelong attendee of St. John's Lutheran Church, Black Bay Road and member of Council. Allround Community person who wishes to become involved in education, representing the interests of constituents and families in the Community. More

This is a time of great change in education for Public School students in Petawawa, changes which require experience and leadership to ensure that the needs of the community, its students and the parents, …are met. A graduate of General Panet H.S., I returned to teach there for most of my career, also serving as Vice-Principal, both at Panet and Fellowes. All five of my children and two youngest grandchildren have attended Petawawa schools. I have lived in all three areas of Petawawa – the Base, the former Village of Petawawa, and the former Township of Petawawa. An experienced and active Trustee for Petawawa for 15 years, I served on most Board Committees, chairing the Program/Curriculum Policy, Property, Budget, and Finance Committees. I know the system and all the Petawawa schools. Readily accessible, I will be a strong and full-time advocate for the people of Petawawa on the Board! More

Currently Chair of the Renfrew County District School Board, I was first elected in 2000 and continue to see the value of being involved in public education. I am also currently a member of the Ontario …Public School Boards’ Association. All three of my daughters attended and graduated from elementary and high school here in Renfrew County. Now my grandson is attending Eganville District Public School so the goal is to stay involved and continue the plan to help provide the best possible education opportunities for all students here in Renfrew County. More

During this exciting and challenging time in education, I wish to continue as a trustee allowing me a way to give something back to my community. During 20 years as trustee, I have demonstrated strong …leadership and organizational abilities. I served four years as chair and vice chair of our board. I'm in my third year as Eastern Regional Vice President of the Ontario Public School Board Association. Keeping up to modern technology in rural Ontario is a huge task. Our students deserve access to the latest technology and we need policies in place to ensure technology is used effectively as a tool and not a distraction. Our Character Education program continues to be my priority. It's our responsibility to help our students build strong character. I have been instrumental in helping develop a program to teach our students to recognize good character traits and demonstrate good character. More

Wendy was first elected in 2010 to represent Laurentian Valley/North Algona Wilberforce Townships. She has also served as an Educational Assistant and a school bus driver before serving as a Trustee. A …proud mother of three teenage sons; one who recently graduated from the RCDSB and two who are still in high school. Wendy is also still an active volunteer in the schools in a variety of different roles such as the Parent Involvement Committee and the music programs. Also active in the community she serves a Funeral Assistant/Receptionist and a church pianist. More